16-05-2025
SAPD officer arrested for failing to make child abuse report
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — A San Angelo Police Department officer was recently arrested for allegedly failing to 'meet the mandated reporting standards related to suspected child abuse,' according to the SAPD.
The SAPD stated that 'a supervisor with the San Angelo Police Department identified a concerning incident while reviewing body camera footage' on March 26, with the footage allegedly revealing that an officer, identified as Rodrigo Hernandez, 'had failed to meet the mandated reporting standards related to suspected child abuse.'
An internal investigation into the incident was 'immediately initiated.' The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office was also requested to conduct a criminal investigation 'due to the serious nature of the allegation — specifically, gross negligence in failing to report suspected child abuse.'
Hernandez was 'relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave' once it was determined that his alleged actions 'constituted a potential criminal offense.'
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'Under the Texas Family Code, professionals — including law enforcement officers — who have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused are legally required to report that suspicion to Child Protective Services,' the SAPD said. 'In this case, the relevant statute, 'Knowingly Fail to Make Required Child Abuse Report,' is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor.'
TGSO submitted its findings to the Tom Green County Attorney's Office following the conclusion of its investigation, resulting in a criminal complaint being filed on May 14. The SAPD said that 'a warrant was subsequently issued, and Officer Hernandez voluntarily surrendered himself to authorities.'
The department said that Hernandez 'has now been placed on unpaid temporary suspension' in accordance with Texas Government Code 154.056.
'This administrative action is not intended to reflect an opinion on the merits of the criminal complaint,' the SAPD said.
The SAPD stated that its internal investigation, 'which had been paused to allow for the criminal investigation to proceed,' has been resumed.
'Further updates will be provided as appropriate,' the SAPD said.
SAPD Police Chief Travis Griffith provided this information at a press conference held on May 16, during which he also shared that an update regarding an investigation into a school resource officer at Lake View High School.
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